Education and Training

This article was written by Alicia Bekeny of Erie, PA, one of the 41 Girl Scouts who participated in Pathways to Politics at CAWP in July, 2004. What she is too modest to mention is that, in a mock campaign that extended throughout the program, Alicia was elected President by a considerable margin.

When the subject of Girl Scouting comes to mind, people often make an immediate association with three things: camping, uniforms and cookies. Thanks to the Girl Scouts' STUDIO 2B Destinations program, I was able to discover that Girl Scouting reaches way beyond the campfire circle.

I participated in an event called "Pathways to Politics" July 11-24 at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Living on campus with other Girl Scouts, two of whom lived in other countries, I worked to develop many new friendships while learning about the evolving role of women in the leadership and political realms of our nation.

We heard from multiple speakers, ranging from Jane Swift, former governor of Massachusetts, to the guy who designs the White House Web site (www.whitehouse.gov). He was, however, the only male speaker. A strong emphasis was placed on the strides women have made in getting involved in leadership, but also how few women hold political positions in the U.S. This problem confirmed what I have believed all along: There should be more women in politics – not because we are women, but because we are equally capable as men to lead.

Now I must admit, we DID have an outdoor, camp-style dinner, wear uniforms, and bake cookies. However, the dinner on campgrounds was hosted by a local Girl Scout troop and concluded a daylong session on political activism and advocacy. As for the uniforms, they have improved greatly, despite popular opinions. Donning our cargo khakis and navy zip-up oxfords, we saw the President - yes, of the United States -and his little dog, too. (It's amazing where a Girl Scout uniform can take you!) And as for the baking, this was part of a service project to make dinners for Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen in New Brunswick, N.J. Then we met a local official to discuss the politics of poverty and how we can help.

Having returned from this incredible excursion, I show my friends my trip pictures and they are amazed that I did all of this through the Girl Scouts. From checking out the historical sites in Philly, to seeing "W" board the Marine 1 from the steps of the White House, to some great beach time at the Jersey Shore (hey, it wasn't all politics!), I was thrilled with the experience, but not surprised. I knew Girl Scouts was cool all along.

So let this be a heads-up to all who underestimate the potential of our Girl Scouts: the pigtailed girls who come to your door asking for your cookie orders today may very well be our future politicians and leaders, coming to your door asking for your vote tomorrow.